Actor Val Kilmer spotted wearing a Rolex

In the 1986 aviation blockbuster Top Gun, Val Kilmer's character Iceman wears a stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 'Pepsi,' a decision that anchored the watch firmly in Hollywood's lexicon. The sighting captures a pivotal moment in watchmaking's cultural crossover: a professional pilot's instrument, worn by an actor playing a fighter pilot, becoming as iconic as the film itself. The gilt dial and three-link Oyster bracelet visible in the image are hallmarks of mid-production 1675 examples.

The GMT-Master Ref. 1675, produced from 1959 to 1980, houses the calibre 1570 automatic movement—a reliable 26-jewel engine running at 28,800 vph and delivering approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The case measures 40 mm in diameter and 13 mm thick, machined from stainless steel with a screw-down crown rated to 100 metres water resistance. The dial is offered in gilt or matte finishes across production; Kilmer's example shows the warm tone of a gilt dial paired with applied indices and Mercedes-style hands. The defining feature remains the bi-directional 24-hour bezel in contrasting red and blue—the 'Pepsi' nickname—allowing pilots to track home time whilst working in a second zone.

The 1675 stands as the first true dual-time Rolex and represents the apex of analogue GMT functionality before the quartz invasion. Its simple, robust design attracted professional aviators; its longevity and modest production numbers have since made it a cornerstone of vintage Rolex collecting. The gilt-dial variants, especially those with tropical dials and creamed lume, command premiums from specialists.

Kilmer's choice reinforced the GMT-Master's position as the thinking pilot's watch—neither flashy nor overcomplicated, but purposeful. The pairing of man and machine in Top Gun gave the 1675 a cinematic legacy that transcends its technical specification. By 1986, the reference had been out of production for six years, yet Rolex's decision to keep the GMT-Master in the film underscored the model's timelessness.

A well-preserved gilt-dial Ref. 1675 in stainless steel currently trades between $18,000 and $35,000 on the grey market, depending on dial condition, lume patina, and service history. Original boxes and papers command significant premiums. The 1675 remains more accessible than the earlier 6542 or later 16750, making it a logical entry point for GMT-Master collectors seeking vintage credibility and documented Hollywood provenance.